"The National Maritime Museum is the largest of its kind in the world. It is home to a wealth of fascinating objects concerning many aspects of the sea, ships, time and the stars - the last two not least because the famous Royal Observatory at Greenwich is an integral part of the Museum. Many of these treasures trace the histories of individuals, communities and nations, but also help us consider the future of the sea on our increasingly crowded planet, and the new frontiers that astronomy is presenting to modern explorers. There is also an impressive art collection, which is mainly displayed at the heart of the Museum in Inigo Jones's celebrated Queen's House, England's first truly classical building." "Many items in the Museum's vast and various collections have compelling stories to tell: of exploration and discovery, naval warfare, extraordinary lives, successes and failures, travel, conservation, scientific and cultural innovation. It is these stories that are brought to life in Treasures of the National Maritime Museum."--BOOK JACKET.